The investigating science course is for students of all abilities who enjoy doing science experiments. Students will engage with scientific processes and investigate: personal; community and global scientific issues.
The course will build students’ scientific skills to: solve problems; develop and communicate evidence-based arguments, and make informed decisions.
The course complements the study of: physics; chemistry; biology and earth and environmental science by providing additional opportunities for students to investigate and develop an understanding of scientific concepts through the process of scientific investigation.
Learning investigating science
Investigating science encourages the development of a range of capabilities and capacities such as creative inferences and deductive reasoning that enhance a student’s ability to participate in all aspects of community life and within a fast-changing technological world.
Stage 6
The Year 11 course focuses on the centrality of observation in initiating the scientific process and examines the human tendency to draw inferences and make generalizations from these observations. Students learn about the development and use of scientific models and the similarities and differences between scientific theories and laws.
The Year 12 course builds on the skills and concepts learnt in Year 11 with students conducting their own scientific investigations and communicating their findings in scientific reports. Students are provided with the opportunity to examine the interdependent relationship between science and technology and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to scientifically examine a claim. The course concludes with students exploring the ethical, social, economic and political influences on science and scientific research in the modern world.
The knowledge, understanding and skills gained from this course will support students’ ongoing engagement with science, and form the foundation for further studies and participation in current and emerging STEM-related post-school activities and industries.
Students who are choosing biology, chemistry or physics are allowed to take investigating science as well.